—Star-Studded Events Benefit Autism and Prostate Cancer Foundations—
New York, NY—Continuing a long tradition of charitable giving, M. Shanken Communications—the company that publishes Cigar Aficionado and Wine Spectator—is pleased to announce that donations exceeded $2 million in the month of March. The funds were raised at two annual events founded and hosted by Marvin R. Shanken:
- Seventh Annual Els for Autism Foundation Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament (March 9, Old Palm Golf Club, Florida): The annual star-studded event attracted a legendary cast of 22 golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. This year’s Charity Pro-Am golf tournament raised $1.2 million for the Els Center for Excellence, far surpassing earnings from last year and bringing the total for the event’s seven years to more than $7 million. The Els Center, a school and research facility devoted to educating children and young adults across the autism spectrum co-founded by Ernie and Leiszl Els, will open its doors this August.
- Twenty-First Annual Night to Remember (March 31, Four Seasons Restaurant, New York City): The charity cigar dinner raised $1.1 million toward the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Among the evening’s distinguished guests and speakers were event founder Marvin R. Shanken, and co-host financier, philanthropist and chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Michael Milken. Among other high-profile supporters in attendance were Rupert Murdoch, founder, chairman and CEO of News Corp., former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, political radio commentator Rush Limbaugh and former NBA star John Salley. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $20 million in total.
“Giving back to these charities—and the others that we contribute to—makes it all worthwhile at the end of the day,” said Shanken. “Thanks to all of my colleagues at Shanken and our generous supporters, we are thrilled to benefit these organizations. What is particularly gratifying is that we will see the opening of the Els Center of Excellence for autistic students, which opens this August.”
About Cigar Aficionado
Cigar Aficionado has been the world’s leading authority on cigars since its launch in 1992. Dubbed “The Good Life Magazine for Men”, the print publication and its accompanying website (CigarAficionado.com), focus on luxury lifestyle topics such as golf, travel, alcohol and accessories. Cigar Aficionado also sponsors events such as The Big Smoke, the country’s premier event for cigar smokers. Parent company M. Shanken Communications also publishes Wine Spectator, Market Watch, Whisky Advocate, Shanken News Daily and Impact.
About Wine Spectator:
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches more than 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms, and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year.
About The Els for Autism Foundation
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism. The Els son Ben is profoundly impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 88 children in the U.S. For the last four years the world class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project – The Els Center of Excellence. The first of its kind Center will focus on a digital e- learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. The 26 acre facility will also have an on-site education for 300 students ages 3-21, medical and professional services, research, transition to adulthood, adult living and on-site job training. The Foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise $30 million to finance the facility; the Els’ have committed $6 million of their own money.
